ObjectiveTo determine the rehabilitation awareness and needs in patients with disability due to leprosy.Methods4353 patients in 23 fields of 7 provinces were surveyed by interview and questionnaire.Results80% of patients knew general knowledge of disability prevention and rehabilitation, and believed that the self-care could prevent disability; but they seldom carried out the daily self-care practice.90% of patients lacked awareness in early manifestation of leprosy, treatment of the disease, basic cause of disability, and the way to prevent such as plantar ulcers. For needs of rehabilitation education, teaching by medical staff(86%), booklet(81%), video tape(70%) and recording(52%) had been selected.ConclusionThe awareness of rehabilitation and the practice must be combined together. Rehabilitation education should be carried out in advance systemically through different ways.

OBJECTIVETo investigate feasible treatment methods for plantar ulcers in leprosy patients according to the agreement between the Ministry of Health (MOH) of China and the Leprosy Mission International (LMI).

METHODSA total of 2599 complicated foot ulcers in 1804 leprosy cases underwent surgic treatment. Plastic fixation and supports were used, dressings were changed regularly, and protective footwear and modified insoles were provided.

RESULTSOf the 2599 foot ulcers 1446 (55.64%) healed. The cure rate of the patients treated in leprosy hospitals was 71.31%, with 219 (15.15%) recurrences of foot ulcers. The recurrence rate of those who lived at home was 18.35%.

CONCLUSIONSComprehensive treatment of foot ulcers has a high cure rate and a low recurrence rate. Reduction of workload, avoidance of long distance walking, intensification of education on foot self-care and provision of financial support are the main measures for preventing a recurrence of foot ulcers.

Foot Ulcer ; therapy ; Humans ; Leprosy ; complications ; Treatment Outcome